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Why are pumps called shoes?WHY ARE PUMPS CALLED SHOES?

Women Flat Pumps UK
Women Flat Pumps

Pumps are worn by women all over the world. It is one of the most comfortable footwear that can be worn on almost all kinds of occasions. Pumps have been universal in the sense that they have stayed around for a very long amount of time. They did not see a rise or decline in their trend as many other fashion articles have. This may be because pumps provide some unmatchable benefits. The flat shoes for women that can be worn in all seasons. In colder seasons, you can wear them with socks, and in the warmer weather, you can just slip them on and go. While these pumps make for a great pair of footwear for women, one might wonder, why are these shoes called pumps?

The word pump first appeared in the English language in the 15th century. It was used to refer to the mechanical device that was used to raise water from the ground. All of these pumps would have a cylinder. Inside this cylinder would be a tightly fitted piston that will draw out the water or any other liquid for that matter. It also has a valve that prevents the water from going back down. Technology has allowed the invention of pumps that do not use this mechanism anymore. However, to understand pumps, let’s keep the idea of pistons. 

The origins of the word pump are debatable. It has been used both as a noun and a verb. From figurative phrases like ‘pump up’ to cheer on or building muscle at the gym, it has also been widely accepted as a name for women’s low-heeled court shoes. It is suggested that in this regard, the word has been used to derive from the word ‘pomp’ to mean display of splendor and magnificence. Pumps, however, are only women’s footwear. It’s fair to say that the ‘pump’ shoes took their name from the mechanical pump. The classic pump has a piston, in contrast to the pump shoes that have a form of fasteners to keep the shoe in place. In fact, those pistons in the pumps were known as the pump shoes of their vaguely shoe-like shape. 

So then why are pumps called shoes?

As mentioned before, people who wore pumps were known as pompes, and they referred to their pumps as a kind of shoe. The word pompe constituted the idea of flat and plain and therefore was used for men who wore these flats. 

Shoes are the modern type of footwear that we all have in our wardrobes. Their comfort and ease have made it a necessity for all of us. The pump footwear has seen a lot of modification and diversity since its birth, but the idea of comfort has remained consistent through all times. 

What kind of shoes is a pump?

The pump shoes are characterized as lightweight, easy-to-wear shoes that give you maximum comfort and grip. They are very practical in the sense that one can go hours wearing them and not get tired. They are usually closed from all sides of the foot, particularly at the back and can sometimes have an inch or so of the heel as well. Pump shoes do not have any bucklings or straps to fasten them, which makes it easy for the wearer to slip them on.  

Are pump shoes still considered fashionable?

Considering its long history, one can think that pump shoes are old school. However, that is not the case. Regardless of its origin in the fifteenth century, with men being the only wearers, today, pump shoes for women come in a variety like never before. The comfort it provides is unmatchable and therefore has become common favorite footwear of all time. 

Modora clothing is an online fashion brand that has an exclusive collection of women’s apparel. We also offer the latest footwear trends at an affordable price. If you are looking to get your hands on some new arrivals, check out our website, modora.co.uk

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Modora Fashion

Modora Fashion has made it unbelievably easy to look fashionable and attractive while fitting properly in modesty! Our outfits have blessed the wardrobes with a perfect fit for every woman's needs to rock in every event! Live your dream styling look for every occasion with us!

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